The Wallaceburg Lakers failed to take advantage of their power play opportunities and the Essex 73s shook off a number of penalties to win, 3-0.

Essex was led by Nick Mainella, who racked up one goal. Mainella scored 14:55 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Essex.

Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 8:12 into the second period. Four fighting penalties were dished out along with three game misconducts.

The 73s racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with 11 minors and two majors for 32 minutes in penalty time. Essex had been averaging 20.0 minutes in penalties per game. The 73s excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in nine chances. Essex featured an improved defense during the game. The 73s average 2.1 goals allowed per game. Essex forced Wallaceburg goalie Joel Sowinski to work between the pipes, taking 32 shots. The defensemen of the 73s were also effective in the Lakers' zone, and came away with two goals.

Essex also had goals scored by Matthew Rosati and Anthony Cristofaro, who scored one goal each. In addition, Essex received assists from William Stadder, Tyler Scott, and Daniel McIntyre, who each chipped in one.

Wallaceburg was often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and two majors for 28 minutes in penalty time. The Lakers surpassed its season average of 20.0 penalty minutes per game. Wallaceburg stifled Essex's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. The Lakers' offense operated below their season average. Wallaceburg puts an average of 2.2 pucks into the net per game.

Colin Lauzon made 18 saves for the 73s on 18 shots. Essex registered zero goals on seven power play opportunities. For the 73s, Dan Mainella and Dallas Pereira were ejected from the contest. Sowinski recorded 29 saves for the Lakers. Team's Trevor Waller and Jordan Eagan were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game.